CarlJohnson

I have flat feet that pronate inwards i refuse to wear orthotics or get medical help im too proud i just live with the pain it causes i.e back pain, foot pain, toe pain, shin splints and ankle pain... i cannot run more than 10 metres on concrete without intense shin and ankle pains to the point where i cannot move (im 21 years old) so i take up biking instead but would this affect me in biking and put me at a disadvantage to other riders?

GuyForget

I clicked on the thread to say no, but apparently you are an idiot and have let this become a medical issue that prevents you from even running a few strides. So, yes, you are at a major disadvantage. Go to a doctor.

CarlJohnson

i cant dont want the embaressment of a doctors opinion i cant even walk more than a couple miles without intense pain my concern is the pronation and lack of arch would affect the amount of power i can put down.

Right Said Fred

I'd be more concerned about the embarrassment of being a complete tool.

abstractform20

who wants to take a ride on the 41 TROLLey?

GuyForget

you are being stupid.

lack of arch won't affect you, being in pain will. even if you don't want to bike, you are being stupid not going to a doctor. get over it. the doctor has seen many more embarrassing things than whatever is wrong with your feet. it is this bad when you are supposed to be in your physical prime, you are going to be severely disabled if you don't get help now.

CarlJohnson

why i am really self conscious about my problem nobody knows about it except my parents and i am private cos im worried people will think less of me...

CarlJohnson

i can post a pic if u like

Right Said Fred

With your problem, the only way to hide it will be to stay locked in their basement. No way to ride a bike, so don't worry about it.

GiantDefyGuy

So wait, what's more embarrassing? Not being able to to run 10 meters or wearing an insert in your shoe that no one would even know was in there?

If you've let things get this bad at 21, then, I'm sorry, but you're going to be effing miserable in another 2 years or so. Forever!

mpath

Your attitude towards it still sucks.

I have flat feet too. My runs average 15-18km. A couple of times a month I'll do +25km. In racing flats. With orthotics.

NWS Alpine

Are you extremely overweight? That might also be why you can't run or walk. Go to the Doctor and get help. Have you mom drive you there.

CarlJohnson

i have flat wide feet that bend inwards and swollen ankles after years of this i think if anyone had my feet they would probably be in a wheel chair from the pain.

RT

Carl, since you cannot send Private Messages yet, first: Please employ the use of periods to separate thoughts.

Second, my cycling life has been all about solving this exact problem. You must seek medical advice, be it traditional Western medicine or holistic. You are 21. You do not want to be crippled because of pride at 25.

It sucks living in discomfort at the very foundation of your posture and at the base of your pedal stroke.

EDIT: Trust me - I rode 48 miles yesterday and had to drive to work today because of my feet. It's better than it used to be, but only because I pay better attention to my body than when I was younger.

CarlJohnson

i dont think my feet can be corrected heres a pic of my foot as you can see its wide pronating and ankle bone is enlarged and its probably as you say gonna get worse.

RT

Unless you are a doctor, you need to seek the advice of one. Self-diagnosing will only lead to more misery. Sorry, harsh, but true.

CarlJohnson

i know i need help but i am ebaressed

cicatriz

Is this thread for real?

nickp08

this has to be a joke. go to the doctor. the "pride" and "people thinking less of you" is all in your head. who gives a **** if you have flat feet.

for what it's worth, i have wide, very flat feet as well. i have virtually no arch in my foot at all. i used to suffer from very bad shin splints. it wasn't bad enough to be causing constant pain like you, but pretty annoying.

after getting fitted for supportive running shoes and easing my way into it (yes, they're extra wide), i've run several races (and shooting for a half marathon this year) and biked thousands of miles.

the only limitations you have are the ones you're placing on yourself.

generalkdi

I have flat feet and don't use any orthotic. I just strengthened the muscles around and all my knee problems are gone. I always tell myself there the easy way (orthotic) on which you become dependent during all your life, and the harder way, which has to be worked during all your life, but depends on nothing.

But I won't tell you what to do, a specialist could!

chasm54

Hmm. Too embarrassed to consult a doctor, but content to post photographs for the titillation of who knows how many strangers on the web. People are strange, aren't they?

CarlJohnson

i know i can do more but i never even know i think i need special shoes maybe then i am more comfortable


yeh i tried this but i think im too far gone

Nerull

Since you are so concerned about your image, ask yourself which is more obvious and embarrassing? Wearing an insert in your shoes, which no one will ever see? Or spending the rest of your life in a wheelchair, by your early 20s?

Once you have answered the question, go to a doctor.

CarlJohnson

ever seen embaressing bodies lol theyre to embaressed to go to there docters but they will go on national TV and show off there foot long hemeroids lol never got that

Nerull

You aren't exactly far removed from them.